Guhle Excelling in Rookie Campaign
Guhle, a former first-round selection in the 2020 Entry Draft, has proven why he was one of the top fifteen players chosen that year. Guhle's performance in the NHL has been nothing less than consistent; at 6-foot-2 inches and 205 pounds, there was no question that he wouldn't be physically dominant.
Without the likes of Mike Matheson, the Habs' have relied on players like Guhle to play an extended role within the lineup. The first-round pick has been slotted in a top-four role, averaging just over 20 minutes a night.
To summarize Guhle's season thus far, he has demonstrated some incoherent play, similar to many rookies. But when at his best, the defender appears to be the next big thing. For instance, in a significant victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins. The left-handed defensemen played for slightly more than 21 minutes while contributing two assists and three hits.
The defenseman has played in 15 games this season and has one goal and six assists. The fact that Guhle scored all of his points during even-strength play, is what stands out the most about his offensive play. The Habs' top defensive prospect will continue to develop at the NHL level.
Jeremy Swayman Back Practicing with the Bruins
It looks as if the Boston Bruins will get back their star sophomore goaltender Jeremy Swayman ahead of schedule. Swayman was previously injured during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins on November 1st, extending his leg area after a collision with captain Patrice Bergeron.
Although the injury has not been reported to the general public, Bruins head coach, Jim Montgomery has noted that Swayman is noted as "being ahead of schedule".
Swayman entered the season on a high after he completed a successful rookie season and a solid IIHF tournament competing for Team USA. Although, so far this season the netminder has struggle in the majority of his starts. The Alaska native currently holds a poor .878 save percentage and a 3.45 goals-against-average.
The injured Bruins goaltenders return is still unlisted, Boston will continue to roll with the tandem of Linus Ullmark and Keith Kinkaid for the meantime.
Ville Husso is Stealing the Net for the Detroit Red Wings
The Finnish netminder who signed a multi-year contract with the Red Wings in the offseason has shown a considerate amount of success playing for the Motor City. Husso has seemed to continue his success from the 2021-22 season, as he has so far posted nearly identical statistics this year.
Currently, Husso holds a 2.54 goals-against-average and a .920 save percentage. Husso has been tremendous during even-strength play, he has stopped 217/235 shots on net. The Fin has also notched two shutouts this season within his first nine starts.
It is expected that Ville Husso serves as the starting netminder at least as of today. Currently, alternative goaltender Alex Nedeljkovic is struggling to find his footing as he holds a 2-3-1 record and a 4.33 goals-against-average. As expected, the Wings sit in the middle of the Atlantic Division and are on-route to make a push for a wild-card spot at the conclusion of the season.
Calder Trophy Update: Shane Pinto, Matias Maccelli, Matty Beniers
Rookie of the Year is undoubtedly one of the National Hockey League's most thrilling honors. Within the past years, the trophy has been awarded to many young and upcoming superstars such as Mortiz Seider, Kirill Kaprizov and Cale Makar. So far this year, it looks as if three rookies have established themselves so far as candidates for the award.
Shane Pinto of the Ottawa Senators will be the first player we introduce. The September Rookie of the Month winner in the current season has established a strong rookie campaign thus far. Pinto has been successful in the attacking zone despite playing for a struggling, injury-riddled Ottawa team. With nine points, the former second-round pick is tied for second among rookie scorers. Pinto leads all rookies in goals scored with eight.
Matias Maccelli, the league's rookie leading scorer, is up next. Maccelli was selected by the Yotes in the fourth round of the 2019 draft, unlike the other two players on the list. Maccelli has managed to amass impressive point totals while playing for one of the league's worst teams. The Swedish winger has scored ten points so far, including nine assists.
Last but not least is Matty Beniers, the center for the Seattle Kraken. With his two-way offensive style, forward Beniers is sure to become a superstar in the future. Beniers has produced five goals and four assists in 16 games while playing a significant amount of ice time for his Kraken team.
Other Players to Looks for: Calen Addison (MIN), Logan Thompson (VGK), John-Jason Peterka (BUF)